FAQ for carers

1. What exactly is carefinder.com.au?
We are an internet based introduction site for the care industry.  We try to make finding a job in the caregiver industry as easy as possible for you, all you need to do is register for free and find a match in your area.   There are six homecare categories listed on the site, and you can register for up to three, as long as you have experience in those chosen fields.


2. How much is it to register as a caregiver? Is it really free?
Yes, there is absolutely no charge when searching for a job within our site.  It is completely risk free!   All it takes is five minutes of your time to fill out your details.


3. Is carefinder.com.au an agency?
No, we are not an agency.  All we do is introduce you to the right people who may be hiring. We do not expect any sort of fees, commissions, or have any say to how and when you work.   After we introduce you to the employer, it is up to both parties to decide on hours worked and rates of pay.  We have nothing to do with this.


4. What happens after I register? What is the process? How do I find a job?
After you have registered on the website,   your resume goes through to administration.   This is just to make sure there is no offensive language and all sections have been completed properly. Once you are approved, you can start applying for jobs.  There are two ways that you can get a job, one is to register and apply to postings of employers who are currently looking for a caregiver. Another way is to register and wait for an employer to contact you.  Although the second way can work, we recommend logging in frequently and replying to as many posts as you are suited for so you get an interview first.   Any responses between parties will be via your inbox in carefinder. com.au, which is also routed to your personal email address.   Once you find a potential job, the next step is usually a phone interview followed by a personal interview. Make sure you remember to bring your references and a copy of any certificates.  


5. How many types of work can I register for?
You may register for up to three types of work, but remember, you must have some sort of experience in that chosen field.  We do not recommend someone who has never been a gardener to apply for a gardening position.


6. Do I need to have any special qualifications or certificates?
It is best to check with your local legislation about the requirements in your chosen field. Although we recommend having qualifications and/or certificates, many employers may accept previous work experience as sufficient enough.


7. Are there any qualifications to be a pet sitter or dog walker?
although most employers may not require a certificate or training in pet care, there may be other candidates who have a Statement of Attainment in Animal Care or previous experience as a vet assistant.  It is solely up to the employer to decide what requirements they prefer.  As long as the caregiver has some sort of experience as a pet sitter or dog walker, they can list that as one of their preferred jobs.


8. How often should I log in to find work?
The more you log in, the better chances of finding work.  We would recommend logging in once per day until you find work, as there may be new job postings every day.


9. What should I charge for my hourly rate?
The hourly rate would depend on your experience, duties, and qualifications.  We recommend looking around at other people and see what they are charging in your areas, as different areas have different going rates.  For example, a common rate for a nanny in Sydney is between $18 – 23/hr, but only $12 - $18/hr in a small town.   It is also possible to negotiate with the employer, which is very common. Make sure you are happy with the final rate.


10. What type of work is available?
Although there are six listed categories, each job listing may have different needs. For example, one job may be for an over-night aged carer, whereas another job may be looking for a disabled carer/nanny.  The more flexible that you can be, the better chance of finding a job faster.


11. Can I register for every type of work?
No. You can only register for a maximum of three job types. We do this because we want you to be good at what you do, not register for things that you have never done and may not be good at.  Please choose according to your experience and qualifications.  Ex: If you have never done any gardening work, please don’t register yourself as being a gardener.   Caregivers who continually register for jobs that they are not suitable for will be deleted from the system.


12. What if I can only work afternoons?
That’s fine.  We try to cater to every caregiver, whether they can work full-time or very part-time. Just make sure that you list your availability.


13. What if my availability changes due to other work or uni/college/school commitments?
No problem. Just log into the site using your chosen username and password, and your details can be updated or changed at any time.


14. How do I get my Federal Police Check?
Every state has its own methods for obtaining police checks. Please ask your local council or search via the internet for legislation in your area.


15. Can anyone on the world wide web view my personal information?
Only registered employers can view your work details. your personal details are never shown on the website.  


16. What is the interview process?
After a few emails from both parties, most likely there will first be a phone interview.  At this point, the employer may ask for your references, or if not, they may ask for them after they meet you in person. It is best to make sure that you have them available before you go to an interview.


17. What if I don’t have a car?
No problem. Just make sure that having a car isn’t a requirement for the position you are applying for.


18. Can I get more than one job from this site?
Of course! You can apply for as many as you like, as long as their schedules don’t conflict. Remember to update your profile and availability if you do find a job.